Hi,

I'm 19 and have been doing ballet beginner (for adult) for about 2-3 months. I would like to change studio because the studio I'm currently attending seems to be progressing really slowly and very 'for fun only' class. I also found out from my friend who has been attending the studio for 2 years, she said that the students don't go up in level after a term, but after a year or two or some even more. And it applies to every student, disregarding of how good you are. because the class is meant just for fun not meant for serious ones and the studio is actually ripping off the students. for the amount I paid, I could've attended more than an hour class a week than just one hour a week class

So I want to seek for a studio that is progressing and not just 'for fun only'. because, I know this sounds really cliche, but I want to go en pointe and am willing to work. I know some adults who went on pointe in just 6 months or so. But of course they worked like crazy and I'm also willing to work!

I came across SBA and this adult ballet class in Dance On Us taught by Madame Beatrice from Ecole de Danse Janine Solane in France.

So, my current comparison: SBA costs a lot of course. And the classes are for 1 1/2 hrs, one class a week. Dance On Us charges the students for less for the same duration of class! What's more I can take more than one class a week with Dance On Us, they have a package for that. But I can't be really sure about the quality of Dance On Us though. SBA is really good in terms of quality... for the students of their school! but what about the adult class? does SBA also take it seriously? will I have any room for growth there? Whereas Madame Beatrice in Dance On Us has brought many adults onto their tippy toes! and I would kill for going on pointe!!

I'm confuuused! Help me search for a good adult ballet class pleeeasee! An adult ballet class that allows me to grow instead of just being a mean of exercise!
Thanks!

Hi, I have trained with both SBA and Madame Beatrice before with the ladies that have been en pointe.

SBA's adult classes has youth as well and the teacher usually makes us do exercises in 2 groups - the youth and the adults. Does SBA takes their adult students seriously? Yes, my first class at SBA, I have received numerous corrections, maybe because I was a serious student thats why I received more corrections. That applies to Madame B's class as well. Madame B's students are solely adults who have no background in ballet and do ballet 3-4 times a week for recreation purposes hence there is a package price implied. Most of these ladies are housewives thats why the timings are mostly in the morning and not evening time as what most adult classes would be. Furthermore, I feel that during Madame B's classes, 3/4 of the time, you will be at the barre doing exercises since the adults do not confidence to do pointe in the centre.

In my experience, to show to your adult ballet teachers that you are serious, speak to them and let them know what are your concerns. I have spoken to Madame B before about my goals and all and I have been getting corrections from her ever since.

You can PM me for more info if you like. but like what most DDN-ers would say, you would never know if you like the class is you try it. Both SBA and Madame B offers a trial class fee of $25 and $30 each respectively.

I agree with choc. The best thing you could do for yourself and your teacher is to let him/her know that you are interested in improving and taking ballet a little more seriously. She can probably then advise you if there is a different class in the same studio, or she can weed out the students similar to yourself and perhaps create a new group. Also if the rest of your class members are also interested in being more focused on improving, perhaps the whole class can benefit from your asking.
Does your studio offer ballet classes at different levels? Perhaps you could watch the higher levels and see what is required, and if you can challenge yourself at those classes, you can see where you need to improve as well as show your teacher that you are really interested.
It's hard to tell if someone is interested in just 2-3 months, if they don't say so themselves!
About these adults who go on pointe after 6 months - some may have loads of ballet background already, but the beginners may run the risk of seriously injuring themselves. So please be safe when you get en pointe, and good luck!
You can PM me too, regarding your studio and if you'd like to join our class